Regional Safeguarding Lead

Sodexo France; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service leader is seeking a Regional Safeguarding Lead in Manchester, UK. This role focuses on creating a safe environment across sites, ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation, and engaging with stakeholders on critical safeguarding issues. The ideal candidate will possess extensive safeguarding expertise, proven experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Competitive salary based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package are offered, making this position an excellent opportunity for individuals committed to safeguarding practices and cultural change.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding, HR, compliance, or a related field.
• A current and clean enhanced DBS check.
• Strong understanding of UK safeguarding legislation in the employment context.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with ability to handle sensitive issues.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation across the UK and ROI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of a Safeguarding Centre of Excellence.
• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with legislative obligations related to safeguarding.
• Act as safeguarding lead for client bids and tenders.
• Liaise with external agencies on safeguarding matters.

Skills

Expertise in safeguarding

Interpersonal skills

Familiarity with UK safeguarding legislation

Experience conducting investigations

Ability to influence stakeholders

Education

Relevant qualifications in safeguarding or HR

Level 4 Award for Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job description

We’re looking for a Regional Safeguarding Lead to help create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment across our sites in the region. This role supports the delivery of statutory safeguarding practices and provides guidance on key areas such as Child Protection, Vulnerable Adults, Sexual Harassment, Domestic Violence, Online Safety, Prevent Duty, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Modern Slavery. You’ll act as the regional safeguarding specialist, ensuring high standards, compliance, and best practice while strengthening our safeguarding culture across all locations.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers

Main Responsibilities

• Leads the establishment of a Safeguarding Centre of Excellence within Labour Relations, laying the foundation for long-term strategic safeguarding capability and organisational compliance
• Develop and implement safeguarding policies and procedures tailored to a commercial environment in conjunction with specialist areas such as HR Policy, L&D, Culture & Belonging and Segments.
• Integrate sector-specific safeguarding insights from healthcare, and education into company-wide practices.
• Write and lead risk assessments and ensure safeguarding measures are embedded across all business functions, setting the bar for best practice.
• Ensure the company meets and exceeds its legislative obligations relating to safeguarding, harassment, whistleblowing, and employee welfare.
• Lead on safeguarding strategy, ensuring integration into broader operational plans.
• Demonstrates expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation across the UK and Republic of Ireland, ensuring compliance with jurisdiction‑specific frameworks and fostering cross‑border policy alignment.
• Act as the safeguarding lead for company support on bids and tenders, providing expert input to meet client safeguarding requirements and demonstrate best practice.
• Be ready to engage directly with clients and customers to represent the company’s safeguarding approach and respond to external queries or audits.
• Report on compliance, elevate risks to the HRLT, Labour Compliance Forum alongside recommendations for mitigation.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g., local authorities, police, health services) on safeguarding matters.
• Represent Sodexo, as appropriate, in safeguarding forums and networks.
• Develop KPIs and metrics to assess safeguarding performance.
• Lead safeguarding audits and reviews.
• Report safeguarding outcomes to senior leadership and external regulators.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in safeguarding, HR, compliance, or a related field. Level 4 Award for Designated Safeguarding Lead or equivalent for ROI
• A current and clean enhanced DBS check
• Demonstrable expertise in safeguarding.
• Strong understanding of UK safeguarding legislation in the employment context
• Familiarity with global safeguarding and whistleblowing standards.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy and discretion.
• Experience conducting investigations and conducting sensitive and complex cases.
• Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, social work, education, or HR.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead organisation‑wide cultural change that embeds safeguarding as a strategic priority.
• Confidence in engaging with external clients and partners on safeguarding matters. Experience working with external safeguarding agencies (e.g., social services, police).
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and frameworks across UK nations and the Republic of Ireland, with the ability to apply them in a multi‑jurisdictional context.

Package Description

Competitive salary depending on experience

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.